Point of View

Although the novel is primarily a story about Annabel Christopher, it is not told from her point-of-view. Instead, Annabel's story is told in the third-person. This point-of-view serves two purposes. First, it underscores Annabel's lack of a robust sense of her own true identity and her over-reliance on a superficial public image. Second, it facilitates comparison between the person that is truly Annabel Christopher and the persona that is projected in Annabel's public image.

Throughout the novel, there is a great deal of discussion and development of Annabel's public image as the "English Tiger-Lady," but there is remarkably little to be said of her true identity. At times, Frederick's opinion of his wife is mentioned and through this discussion, we learn that Annabel is a shallow woman who isn't very serious or intelligent. However, we know little else about her true character. Instead, we learn much...